Follow these steps carefully to achieve perfectly glazed, flavorful tofu bowls:

1. Press the Tofu: This is a crucial step! Remove the tofu block from its packaging and drain the water. Place the block on a plate lined with several paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Place more paper towels or another towel on top. Put something heavy on top (like a cutting board topped with cans of food or a heavy book). Let it press for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, changing the towels if they become saturated. The longer you press, the firmer the tofu will be and the better it will absorb the marinade and crisp up. Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes (around 1 inch).
2. Prepare the Miso Glaze: While the tofu is pressing, prepare the star of the show – the glaze. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the white or yellow miso paste, low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari), mirin, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, maple syrup (or agave), grated ginger, and minced garlic. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well combined. You shouldn’t see any large lumps of miso paste. Taste and adjust sweetness or saltiness if desired (though remember it will concentrate slightly when cooked). Set aside about 1/4 cup of the glaze for drizzling over the finished bowls later.
3. Marinate the Tofu (Optional but Recommended): Place the pressed and cubed tofu into the bowl with the larger portion of the miso glaze. Gently toss the tofu cubes until they are evenly coated with the glaze. For the best flavor infusion, cover the bowl and let the tofu marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2-3 hours. If you’re short on time, you can proceed to cooking immediately after coating, but marinating deepens the flavor significantly.
4. Cook the Tofu (Choose Your Method): You have several options for cooking the tofu to achieve a delicious result:
   • Pan-Frying (Recommended for Glaze Adhesion): Heat the 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large non-stick skillet or well-seasoned cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, carefully add the marinated tofu cubes in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan (cook in batches if necessary). Cook for about 4-6 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the tofu is golden brown, slightly crispy, and the glaze has caramelized nicely. Be mindful, as the sugars in the glaze can burn if the heat is too high. Reduce heat slightly if needed.
   • Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Spread the marinated tofu cubes in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. For extra caramelization, you can optionally brush the tofu with a little of the reserved glaze during the last 5 minutes of baking or switch the oven to the broil setting (watching carefully!) for the final 1-2 minutes until the glaze bubbles and darkens slightly.
   • Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Place the marinated tofu cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to work in batches). Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the tofu is golden brown and crispy at the edges. You can brush with a bit of reserved glaze near the end if desired.
5. Prepare Your Bowl Components: While the tofu is cooking (or marinating), prepare your chosen base grain (rice, quinoa) according to package instructions. Wash, chop, steam, roast, or sauté your selected vegetables. Prepare any garnishes like slicing green onions or toasting sesame seeds. Having everything ready makes assembly quick and easy.
6. Assemble the Miso Glazed Tofu Bowls: Once the tofu is cooked and beautifully glazed, it’s time to build your bowls. Start by dividing the cooked grain among your serving bowls. Arrange the vibrant vegetables artfully around the grain. Top generously with the warm, freshly cooked Miso Glazed Tofu.
7. Garnish and Serve: Drizzle the bowls with the reserved 1/4 cup of miso glaze. Sprinkle with your chosen toppings – toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions are highly recommended for flavor and visual appeal. Add any other desired garnishes like avocado slices, nori strips, or a dash of chili oil. Serve immediately while the tofu is warm and enjoy your delicious creation!